Course Development Process and Stages

Start with a framework

Begin with the mind map titled A framework of course development processes. One version on the page outlines needs assessment, goals and objectives, content, and the selection and development of materials and activities. Follow those branches to get an overview, then return to the parts you want to examine more closely.

Several maps share that title. Use their content to distinguish them: another focuses on needs assessment as a way to clarify problems and identify solutions.

Look more closely at needs

Another map explores what students need and how seeking and interpreting information can help a teacher choose what to teach. It also mentions planning, teaching and replanning stages. Compare it with the framework map to see where needs assessment fits in the wider process.

The flowchart also lists needs assessment alongside goals and objectives. Its layout offers another way to follow the process after studying the maps.

Compare approaches and materials

The map on activities for a MOOC and a traditional university subject covers scope, purpose, goals, target audience, learning objectives, assessment and course materials. Use it to compare the activities shown with the stages in the framework map.

What steps are followed in the design of a course? introduces types of study programs, including structural, situational and theme-based approaches. The map on stages for designing program material also presents types of syllabuses.

Use the maps for practice

This topic is part of Course and Syllabus Design in Education and pedagogy (incl. teaching methods, curriculum, educational psychology). The maps connect course development processes with program and syllabus design. There are no quizzes listed here, so you can practice by writing questions about the stages and checking your answers against a map. Choose a map and work through its branches in your own order.